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Peaceful location, on the Wild Atlantic Way, great beaches, ideal for families

This stunning five bedroom (sleeping 9) self catering holiday home with three separate lounges provides the experience of a home from home, equipped to give you a perfect holiday in Ardfield, West Cork.

With spacious front, side and rear gardens the house enjoys spectacular sea views. Perfect for family getaways with numerous beaches within easy reach and close (5km) to the bustling town of Clonakilty, with its renowned music scene and great range of restaurants, rich in historical interest.

The house is situated along the Wild Atlantic Way, close to its finish at the Old Head of Kinsale. There’s something restorative about the temperate Gulf Stream climate, the peaceful vibe and creative scene, the wonderful artisan food, arts and festivals. In Clonakilty you will find this in abundance. And echoing all along this coast is its history: ancient sites, coastal forts and – out on the horizon – ‘Ireland’s tear drop’, the Fastnet Rock.

Irish Lights is aptly named in that you can see the light from three Lighthouses, Old Head of Kinsale, Galley Head and Fastnet (on a cloudy night as the light bounces off the underneath of the clouds)

Zigzagging gently from dreamy Bantry Bay through Skibbereen and on to Kinsale, the Haven Coast is perfectly named. Hedgerows thick with fuschia and monbretia border lush gardens; endless inlets and Blue Flag beaches promise long days spent relaxing in the salty air. See www.wildalanticway.com

Places of interest nearby are the Drombeg stone circle on the way to Glandore, great for a stop over to enjoy a drink overlooking a spectacular deep sea inlet.

A visit to the Clonakilty Model Village and a 'train ride' through the town is great for children or a visit to the homeplace of Michael Collins and especially the recently opened Michael Collins Museum in Emmet Square, Clonakilty.

In nearby Rosscarberry, pitch and putt, canoeing and more lovely beaches are easily accessible, whilst the West Cork Surfing School offer short courses for all, including older children, from Inchedoney Island.

‘Irish Lights’ was built by and for us and created, designed and maintained to a very high specification as a family home. The house was extended in 2009 to offer more bedroom space and a large (9 metre wide) sunroom with spectacular sea views. Outside there is a large lawned area for relaxing or running around, with a gas BBQ for your use. We called the house 'Irish Lights' as on a clear night you can see the light from three lighthouses - Old Head of Kinsale, Galley Head and Fastnet far out into the ocean. Within a 5km radius there are great sandy beaches to choose from, some with blue flag status. Dunmore House and Inchedonny hotels are nearby for good quality bar meals and fine dining. Clonakilty, with its lively music and pub scene and wide range of shops is just 5km away. Inchedonny Hotel also offers the added attraction of spa facilities including a saltwater pool. Golfing, horse riding, surfing, fishing and whale watching are also great day trips nearby.

Irish Lights is great for socialising and relaxing making it especially good for larger families with children or grandparents, or two families sharing. The spacious sunroom, with underfloor heating has beautiful sea views across the rolling countryside and spectacular sunsets out to the west. The night skies are wonderfully dark so so look out for shooting stars with the naked eye.

The gardens are to the front, rear and side of the property and are laid to grass - great for running around on. There is plenty parking on the hard area out to the house front.

Stored in the garage is some play equipment for children to use and a child's buggy. The large deck area gives an additional raised space for relaxing or playing and offers stunning sea views. Alternatively sit in the warmth of the sunroom with the concertina doors fully open. There are no other houses around the property, and few cars passing so this is a perfect place for relaxing and unwinding.

If golfing is your passion then is is the place to be. With the ocean as your backdrop on a number of courses, golf clubs are within easy reach at Bandon, Bantry, Clonakilty, Kinsale (which must be amongst some of the best Atlantic views in Ireland) and Skibbereen. There is also a golf driving range at nearby Roscarberry. Phone: 023 8848054.

Cork City has plenty to offer so look up http://tourism.cometocork.ie. If you love fish you must visit the English Market which offers a wide range of delicious foods.

The local beaches are one of the main attractions of the area and even at the height of summer you can find yourself alone on many of them.

Closest to Irish Lights is a 1.5km circular walk from the house to a little landing cove though be warned the return walk is very steep. Others include:

Dunnycove - Small rocky beach 2.5km with the nearby Dunmore House hotel for barmeals.

Duneen Cove - Small sandy beach 3km.

Sandscove - small sandy beach 3km.

Red Strand -Lovely sandy beach 3km with toilets

The Long Strand - spectacular mile of sandy beach little used 4km (not suitable for swimming due to strong currents)

Inchydoney - huge sandy beach 5km with large hotel for barmeals and a great afternoon tea between 3pm and 6pm.

Ownahincha - Lovely beaches 5km.

Creggane Strand - little beach 8km. Great fishing places all around.

The local pub is within walking distance in Ardfield village-400 metres. Clonakilty is 5km with banks, supermarkets and local shops. It also hosts a Thursday Farmers Market. The town is home to the Michael Collins memorial statue in Emmet Square.

We provide you with a complimentary copy of the weekly 'Southern Star' which provide invaluable details about local events.

Bedrooms

5 Bedrooms

Sleeps 9

Owner

Geoffrey O'Donoghue

Member Since 2009

Speaks

english

Calendar last updated:

7 Nov 2018

Why Geoffrey O'Donoghue chose County Cork

Karen and I purchased the land on which the house is built in 1996. We started building the following year and completed it in 1999 with much of the work being undertaken by ourselves and other family members. In doing this Geoffrey had been able to call on his skills from building his parents house in Bandon with his father, brother and sisters and other relatives some 15 years before that.
In our plans was the possibility that we might move there ourselves one day but it hasn't happened yet!
We feel that rather than ourselves trying to say why you should stay at Irish Lights it might be more informative if you were to read the reviews of previous guests.
We have, we believe, worked hard to maintain the house to a high standard not only for ourselves when we stay there but more so for our guests and we feel we have been rewarded by their comments.
We have estimated that something like 30% of our bookings are repeat guests a number of who have visited on numerous occasions.
In recent years we have found that a number of families who are coming to attend weddings at the local Dunmore house hotel have stayed with us and use this as a base.
As we are large enough to accommodate nine people we have noticed that the house is very popular for either two families coming together or extended families coming to celebrate anniversaries where of course the grandparents can provide babysitting!
Before making an online booking we prefer to talk with you so that we can tell you more about the property and the area.

Facilities

Internet

Washer & Dryer

Children Welcome

Parking

TV

Satellite or Cable

Fireplace

Heater

Bathrooms

2 Bathrooms, 1 Separate Toilet

Bathroom 1

toilet, combination tub/shower, tub, shower, bidet

Bathroom 2

toilet, shower, ensuite

Bathroom 3

toilet, ensuite

Bathroom 1 This is a large bathroom overlloking the rear of the property and having seaviews. The bath has a shower fitting for rinsing etc
Bathroom 3 -This is a downstairs toilet with washand basin.

Location Type

Near The Ocean

Rural

Meals

Guests provide their own meals

General

Activities Guide

Telephone

Linens Provided

Washing Machine

Tumble Dryer

A machine dryer is located in the garage with a separate rotary airier in the garden.

Fireplace

Parking

Garage

Internet

Available

Towels Provided

Wireless Internet

Wood Stove

In the main lounge there is a multi fuel stove which generates a huge amount of heat. Coal and kindling is located in the garage for which there is no charge.

Iron & Board

Heating

Gas central heating

Alarm Clock

Firewood

Hair Dryer

Laundry Soap

Local Activities Guide

Local Maps

Paper Towels

Local Restaurant Guide

Basic Soaps

Toilet Paper

Telescope

Parking Off Street

Kitchen

4 Ring Stove

Dishwasher

Freezer

Fridge freezer

Stove

4 ring gas hob

Oven

Double electric oven with a grill contained within the top oven.

Microwave

Grill

Refrigerator

Fridge freezer

Cooking Utensils

Electric wisk

Coffee Maker

Large cafetiere

Toaster

Blender

Pantry Items

Dishes & Utensils

Kitchen

The kitchen is fully equipped so that when we come we have everything that we need. We provide washing machine/dishwasher powder, ample tea- towels, soaps, toilet rolls etc.

Dining

Dining Area

Child's Highchair

Dining

More formal dining area seating 8, with range of framed prints on the walls. The kitchen has seating for 6.

comfy seating for 8 people

Entertainment

Books

There is a very extensive range of Irish fiction, history and local interest available

Television

VCR

Radio

Stereo

One in the sun room and other in the main lounge

CD Player

Audio Tape Player

DVD Player

Satellite / Cable

Books for Adults

Books for Kids

Games

Games for Kids

Music Library

A wide range of Irish CDs is available

Toys

Video Library

A wide selection of DVDs to cater for all

Outside

Outdoor Grill Gas

Lawn / Garden

Kayak / Canoe

There are a range of local opportunities for this locally. For those less experienced there is the opportunity to try this out on a lake at the nearby village of Rosscarberry

Outdoor Grill

Large Cooler

Wood Deck

Terrace

Patio

Screen Porch / Veranda

Unscreened Porch / Veranda

Deck / Patio

This is a large sun deck outside the sun room where the best views of the sea are.

Water Sports Gear

Specialist shop in Clonakilty

Suitability

unsuitable for elderly or infirm

wheelchair inaccessible

Long-term Renters Welcome

House Rules

Check-in: 16:00

Check-out: 11:00

Cancellation Policy

100% refund for cancellations more than 60 days before check-in date.

40 Reviews

Exceptional5/5

1 - 6 of 40

Spacious house with lovely views.

5/5

Stayed Jun 2017

Rita C.

Very relaxing stay in peaceful location. Conservatory great addition to house as we spent a lot of time there admiring lovely views. Clonakilty is a great town for visits and shopping. Very friendly people and lots going on. Beautiful walks and coastal drives from the house, so great location. Very well equipped with everything we needed for the week. Would love to go back one day - a week wasn't long enough

Submitted 20 Jun 2017

Owner's Response:

Rita, thank you so much and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Geoffrey

Absolutely lovely. On hilltop with sea veiws in two directions

5/5

Stayed Sep 2018

Lawrence S.

There in early October with fucias in flower in all the hedges, mild weather and very few tourists. Ten minute walk down hill, quite steep, to nearest very picturest little bay. Daughter did swim there but had to wade through some kelp. Yes she is mad. Great beaches in walkable distance but very quick by car and almost totally deserted. Lovely pub within easy walking distance and Clonakilty has great charm and something for everybody. Highly recomended. The house was well equipped, spacious and comfortable.

Submitted 7 Oct 2018

Owner's Response:

Lawrence

Many thanks and delighted that you enjoyed yourselves. It is really pleasing to know that you enjoyed the house and the area.

Will be there myself soon and your comments remind me of what I am missing.

FANTASTIC!

5/5

Stayed Sep 2018

John H.

Could not have hoped for anything better. Would return in a second. Fantastic!!!!

Submitted 26 Sep 2018

Home from Home

5/5

Stayed Mar 2018

Rosemarie K.

Have stayed at Irish Lights for the last few years during the West Cork Rally and always re-book before I leave. It’s really well equipped, the views are amazing and the only downside is that I don’t get to stay for longer than a few days. Highly recommend this beautiful house for the perfect getaway.

Submitted 29 Mar 2018

Owner's Response:

Rosemarie, many thanks for your review. Though your rally team have had a number of mechanical failure in recent rallies I am pleased that at the least you enjoy your stay with us.

Beautiful views and lovely house

5/5

Stayed Nov 2017

Julia Patterson

We stayed here as a group of 6 for a wedding at a nearby hotel. The house was perfectly situated with lovely sea views. Very well equipped and clean. Nice walk to a small cove nearby. Excellent communication from owner. Would not hesitate to book this property again if I return to this area in future. Highly recommend.

Well situated both for local activities and for visiting further afield. We really enjoyed the craic in Clonakilty and the whale watching out of Baltimore (no whales in the aftermath of Ophelia and Brian but plenty of dolphins, porpoises and seals). Just as enjoyable was the short walk to the local pub. Highlights include the walking on the amazing beaches and golf at Old Head of Kinsale. Very welcoming and efficient local help also, thanks to Gail and the ever-available taxi driver John the Butcher

Submitted 31 Oct 2017

Owner's Response:

Delighted that we were able to get the house back in order after Storm Orphelia and thanks for you acknowledgement of Gail who looks after the house and our guests.

It was a pleasure having you stay

Geoffrey

1 - 6 of 40

Location

County Cork, Ireland

The house is situated by Ardfield village, close to the coast and approximately 5km from Clonakilty, renowned for its lively muscic scene, attracting many headline names.

There is a great choice of local restaurants and ufish is definitely on the menu - seafood chowder, home made brown bread and a glass of Murphy's are a must.

If golfing is your passion then is is the place to be. With the ocean as your backdrop on a number of courses, golf clubs are within easy reach at Bandon, Bantry, Clonakilty, Kinsale (which must be amongst some of the best Atlantic views in Ireland) and Skibbereen. There is also a golf driving range at nearby Roscarberry. Phone: 023 8848054.

Availability

Additional pricing information

Refundable Damage Deposit

£177

Cancellation charges are:
Cancellation of booking by you
If you need to cancel your booking you must contact us as soon as possible in writing. The booking deposit is a legal contract & non-refundable under any circumstances.
In the event of a cancellation the following charges will apply
More than 42 days Deposit
22-42 days 60%*
Less than 21 days 100%
*A minimum cancellation charge of €75 will apply.
We strongly recommend you to take out guest cancellation insurance against cancellation due to adverse weather, ill-health, bereavement etc as the above refund terms are non-negotiable.
Change over days are Saturdays though there may be some flexibility outside the high season period